Please help me decide on a laptop by midnight!

[Sand Lee]

Hello everyone, the college I'll attend this fall requires I get a laptop with these minimum specs:

* Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6 GHz or better (or equivalent dual processor).
* Memory: 2 GB (using one slot only in a 1/2GB configuration—this allows for easy expansion over the life of the computer).
* Hard Drive: 120GB or larger.
* Video Memory: 128 MB or greater through integrated graphics adapter or separate video card.
* Communications: 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR.
* Display: Supports 1024x768 resolution or better.
* Accessories: CD/DVD Writer, Sound capability, Wired Ethernet port, 25' Ethernet cable, Notebook security lock.

Dell is having a 10 days of deals special and I'm debating against getting a 1525 with such configuration (for $689.28 - deal ends tonight):

SYSTEM COLOR Jet Black
PROCESSOR Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5550 (1.83GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista ® Home Premium, w/ 1 yr of Training-Live Tutor
HD DISPLAY Glossy, widescreen 15.4 inch display (1280x800)
VIDEO CARD Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
MEMORY 3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
HARD DRIVE Size: 250GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE CD / DVD Writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
WIRELESS NETWORK CARDS Intel Next -Gen Wireless -N Mini-card
BLUETOOTH AND WIRELESS USB Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate)
INTEGRATED WEBCAM Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
BATTERY OPTIONS 56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
SOUND OPTIONS High Definition Audio 2.0

or waiting for later deals or buying a laptop at Best Buy since I have a 100 dollar gift card:

dv2807nr
dv6815nr
F767NR

I'd like to spend less than $750, ~ $600 preferably...

[jamewill]

u need a pumpkinbook

[Sealbhach]

How much can you spend? I got a Vaio, very happy with it. Looks good too. I lile the Dell XPS too.

[cookieofdoom]

I'm pretty sure you can get a Thinkpad with those specs for less than the Dell. If you run Ubuntu (or other distros, really) Thinkpads are excelent. Plus you don't have to worry too much about dropping it. They're very durable.

[Sand Lee]

I think $750 is the max for me... even then it might be pushing it

[Sand Lee]

I'm pretty sure you can get a Thinkpad with those specs for less than the Dell. If you run Ubuntu (or other distros, really) Thinkpads are excelent. Plus you don't have to worry too much about dropping it. They're very durable.

I've tried configuring a Thinkpad with similar specs, but it's always been over $700...

[LittleLORDevil]

So far I have nothing bad to say about my Dell. I have the generation before that but with the specs that you want. It works great with Ubuntu and I have been happy with it. The only thing that has faltered me is the battery, which may be because of my own use, but can barely hold a charge.

[Kingsley]

Go with one of the laptops made by HP. The dv series isn't pricey and won't disappoint.

[cookieofdoom]

I've tried configuring a Thinkpad with similar specs, but it's always been over $700...

Yeah, I just tried. The Dell is a pretty good deal, and it seems like it'll probably run Linux alright. I'm not positive on the soundcard, but I imagine it'll be alright. Those are awfully high specs for a college notebook. I can't see something like that being needed for tasks like writing papers... unless you have to use Vista and Office.

[MrMatt2532]

I would personally get a laptop made by Asus. You can get them at newegg.com. They are a little bit more expensive, but they are some of the best laptops you can get in terms of quality and support.